Manipur Tensions Rise: Meitei Civil Society Rejects Resolutions, Demands Action in 24 Hours

Meitei civil society organizations have dismissed recent resolutions made by ruling party MLAs in Manipur aimed at curbing escalating violence. They issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the state government, demanding “concrete steps” to address the crisis. If the government fails, the organizations have warned of “decisive action.”This reaction follows the tragic killing of six people, including women and children, in Jiribam during the latest bout of ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities. The killings have intensified public outrage and placed Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s BJP-led government under scrutiny.

Key Resolutions and MLAs’ Response

To tackle the unrest, Chief Minister Singh convened a meeting of NDA legislators at his residence. However, 27 out of 38 MLAs reportedly skipped the meeting without explanation, sources revealed.The resolutions passed during the meeting include:

1. A review of the need to reimpose the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Manipur.
2. A mass operation targeting Kuki militants allegedly responsible for the Jiribam killings within seven days.
3. Transferring three major cases of killings to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
4. Declaring the Kuki militants involved in the Jiribam killings as members of an “unlawful organization.”

“If the above resolutions are not implemented within the specified period, all NDA legislators will decide the future course of action in consultation with the people of the state,” read the statement from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.

Civil Society’s Dissatisfaction

The resolutions failed to satisfy the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an umbrella group representing Meitei interests. Spokesperson Khuraijam Athouba criticized the resolutions for being too narrow in scope.”The killings happened not just in Jiribam but across various parts of Manipur since May 2023. People have demanded that the government and legislators take responsibility for all Suspension of Operation (SoO) groups and conduct comprehensive operations against them,” Athouba said.

Suspension of Operation Agreement and Its Fallout

The SoO pact involves Kuki insurgent groups agreeing to stay in designated camps with their weapons secured under joint supervision. However, the agreement lapsed in February, and the government has not announced a renewal. The recent encounter that killed 10 suspected Kuki militants on November 11 suggests the agreement is no longer in effect, sources noted.COCOMI has demanded that all SoO groups be declared unlawful organizations and their agreement with the Centre be scrapped entirely.

Ultimatum to the Government

Athouba stated that the government must revisit the resolutions and present a stronger plan within 24 hours. “The government or legislators need not consult the people again. Our position is very clear. If they fail to respond, we will intensify our agitation, starting with shutting down state and central government offices,” he warned.

Central Government Steps In

The volatile situation has alarmed the Centre, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah holding meetings in Delhi and directing officials to ensure peace. The Union Home Ministry has reimposed AFSPA in six police station areas, including Jiribam, and vowed strict action against anyone involved in violence.

Background of the Crisis

Since ethnic clashes erupted last year between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, over 200 people have died, and thousands have been displaced. The conflict, fueled by long-standing ethnic tensions, continues to challenge the state and central governments’ ability to maintain peace in Manipur.